As part of Black History Month in Hoboken, this afternoon was the 8th annual Richard Hicks Black Youth Empowerment & Appreciation Luncheon.

Held in the gymnasium of the Hoboken Boys and Girls Club, the Youth Empowerment Luncheon featured hip-hop performances from Hoboken's Save the Youth Academy, an after-school program for Hoboken public school students and students who live in the Hoboken Housing Authority.

Shakera Frazier, a 22 year-old Hoboken woman, was also honored at today's event as being an Outstanding Citizen of the City of Hoboken.

Frazier, who is Richard Hicks' cousin, is a Youth Leader at Grace Christian Church, a member of the Young Women of Grace Choir and Assistant to the Artistic Director of the Hoboken School of Music. She also collects clothes for the homeless every Christmas through "The Spirit of Rose Foundation," a volunteer service she started in the memory of her grandmother.

"Shakera is a positive example," said Shirley Dennis, Black History Month coordinator for the city of Hoboken. "I wanted the young folks to see this one, a young person, who has made such a positive impact on her community and see that they can do the same thing."